Evaluation of a surveillance system

How can we measure a surveillance system?

Steps of an evaluation

  1. Understand the trigger
  2. Plan the evaluation
  3. Perform the evaluation
  4. Propose an action plan

Typical triggers for an evaluation?

  • Missed outbreak
  • Increased disease importance
  • Occurrence of new public health event
  • Cost saving
  • Requirement to evaluate (IHR)
  • New technology

What attributes should be monitored?

  • Depends on the trigger
  • Many attributes are costly
  • Keep the balance of attributes in mind

Perform the evaluation

  1. Start with a evaluation protocol
  2. Describe the system
  3. Engate stakeholders
  4. Set up a team
  5. Look at each attribute in its own way

Evaluation protocol

Propose an action plan

  • An evaluation is objective oriented
  • It should focus on improving the system